§ 15. Mr. FALLEasked the right hon. Gentleman if the men now serving in the Mediterranean Destroyer Flotilla have served two years in these waters and expected to be relieved in May, but that these reliefs have been cancelled and are not to take effect till September; and if he can give any reason for this change of plans and keeping men three summers in these waters?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe men serving in the Mediterranean Destroyer Flotilla have been on the station for varying lengths of time. So far as possible men are relieved at the expiration of two years, but as the destroyers have to recommission by groups, the length of service in certain cases may exceed that amount. One group will recommission next month, and another in the autumn. Some of the men belonging to the latter, about one-third, will have served on the station for about two years and four months. There has been no change of plan.